1. How can firms subjected to Brexit in the United Kingdom maintain short lead times for imported inventory?

Guidance: Students should search the internet for articles about Brexit and the potential issues with imports/exports. Students could then brainstorm in a class discussion about ways to maintain short lead times. The discussion may include the idea of maintaining larger inventories in the UK or EU to overcome the delays caused by Brexit.

1. Will an efficient or a responsive supply chain potentially be impacted the worst in Brexit? Why?

Guidance: Review responsive and efficient supply chains. Students should have a Continue reading →

Mars Wrigley Confectionery is planning to spend $1 billion over 10 years to ensure responsible sourcing of its cocoa supply by 2025. Mars and eleven other cocoa buyers are working to increase sustainable business practices for cocoa farmers in a responsible manner.

The plan is to use GPS mapping to insure cocoa supplies do not come from protected rain forests and to work directly with farmers to increase productivity and find ways to increase their income.

Fifty percent of Mars’ cocoa is currently certified by Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade. Mars wants to do more to improve the lives of farmers by paying more for responsibly sourced cocoa. The company will also work with communities and governments to combat child labor practices.

A key issue is that cocoa production has been dwindling over the last decade in part due to farmers’ low income. Cocoa buyers fear that farmers will turn to more lucrative cash crops and further reduce the supply of cocoa.

It’s your OM in the News roundup! Follow the links to recent posts from our faculty contributors, including thoughtful questions for class discussion.

This week, our posts focus on the causes of supply chain disruption.

Is the Medical Supply Chain a Risk to National Security?
The medical supply chain stretches across thousands of miles, and it keeps getting leaner. The definition of national security includes threats to the health of the nation – is it time to fatten up the supply chain a bit? Read more…

Medical Supplies Plagued by Shortage
The pharmaceutical industry is plagued by quality issues, manufacturing problems that are kept secret, and supply chain disruptions. Hurricane Maria is only the most recent cause in a string of shortages. Read more…

Aisle of Lost Toys
Toys ‘R’ Us is liquidating its US stores, and the news has more than tots in tears. Suppliers are waiting to find out how much they’ll reclaim of the millions owed. Some smaller companies may not survive the losses. Read more…